Following a string of anti-Muslim attacks to begin the year, the EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit (HCVEU) arrested and charged 44-year-old Shane Edward Tremblay in connection with three recent hate-motivated incidents involving women..The first incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, at the University of Alberta Transit Centre, involving a 19-year-old woman wearing a hijab waiting inside the Transit Centre..The suspect allegedly became more aggressive towards the female, posturing he was about to assault her after a series of racially-charged comments..The accused fled the scene after an ETS Transit employee became involved..The second incident occurred 30 minutes later, at approximately 12:45 p.m., between 100 Street and 82 Avenue, involving a 27-year-old black female wearing a burka walking on the sidewalk alone..The suspect ran across the road, stopping in front of the female and blocking her path, allegedly swearing and yelling insults at the female. .The suspect then left, crossing the street. .The female thought the suspect was gone and continued walking eastbound, crossing 99 Street. The suspect returned, coming up behind the female, then pushed her while threatening to kill her and tear off her Burka. .The suspect then left the area..The 44-year-old accused male is also facing charges connected to a third hate-motivated incident at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, January 18..The same suspect allegedly uttered racially motivated threats at a 43-year-old black woman outside of a convenience store near 91 Street and 82 Avenue. The male allegedly followed the female complainant back inside the store, where he proceeded to assault the woman. .The accused fled the scene on foot before the arrival of police. The complainant did not require medical attention..“The actions of this individual have traumatized these three women and created a significant level of fear in our community,” said EPS Sgt. Gary Willits of the EPS Hate Crimes and Violent Extremism Unit. .“I’m grateful to our partners, including ETS Transit officials, the University of Alberta Protective Services, businesses along Whyte Avenue and the convenience store staff, all of whom played an instrumental role in identifying our suspect, who is well known to police and ETS for multiple related incidents over the last few years.”.Tremblay, of no fixed address, is charged with three counts of uttering threats and assault..The Western Standard reached out to members from Alberta’s ethnic communities, who commented on the unfolding situation, and similar incidents reported from December..Jojo Ruba, the Youth Coordinator to Faith Builder International Church, was deeply saddened to hear Albertans faced discrimination..“As Filipino-Canadians, we are so glad to have been welcomed by Canadians. We can’t imagine how hard it must be for new Canadians, including our friends in the Muslim community, who don’t have that kind of support,” said Ruba..“We hope the provincial government will be able to enforce the laws that prevent harm against fellow Albertans who are targeted just because of their race or religion.” .Raj Sidhu, Director of Operations for Calgary’s Dashmesh Culture Centre, was disappointed and heartbroken with the hate crimes committed against Muslim women in Edmonton recently. .“There is no place for that violence in our society. No one should be scared to walk the streets of Alberta,” he said..“We live in a great province and country where the majority care for one another, but unfortunately, these issues still happen today.” .Sidhu calls for more dialogue and education about racism and how it can stop it, starting at the grassroots level. .“We need to be teaching this at our schools, community centers and places of worship, make investments in an open dialogue with the public, as this kind of behaviour is not acceptable..“As Albertans, we love and care for everyone regardless of their skin colour and religious beliefs. .Sheikh Fayaz Tilley, of Calgary’s Akram Jomaa Islamic Centre, concurred with the sentiment, as people have an obligation to educate, which he hopes will curb, curtail and mitigate before-mentioned behaviours and attitudes..“As humans, we need to equate all forms of racism, prejudice and bigotry as they stem from the same tree of ignorance and hate. We call upon everyone and every level of government to come together and condemn hate,” he said..NDP Leader Rachel Notley said that she’s glad the individual connected with these vicious, hate-motivated attacks was arrested..“These victims deserve justice,” she said..“We have to heal as a community. We also have to press ahead with real action to combat racism in Edmonton and right across Alberta.”.Premier Jason Kenney also commented, stating: “Hate and violence have absolutely no place in Alberta. Those responsible for these cowardly acts should face the full force of the law.”.Dhaliwal is a Western Standard reporter based in Edmonton
